bootstrap

boot·strap

(bo͞ot′străp′)

n.

1. A loop of leather, cloth, or synthetic material that is sewn at the side or the top rear of a boot to help in pulling the boot on.

2. An instance of starting of a computer; a boot.

3. Statistics A method of estimating a population's characteristics (such as its mean) by repeatedly subsampling from a given initial sample, thereby avoiding the use of theoretical probability distributions.

tr.v.boot·strapped, boot·strap·ping, boot·straps

1. To promote and develop by use of one's own initiative and work without reliance on outside help: "We've bootstrapped our way back with aggressive tourism and recruiting high tech industries"(John Corrigan).

2. Statistics To gather information about a population from a single sample, using repeated samples drawn with replacement.

3. Computers To boot (a computer).

adj.

1. Undertaken or accomplished with minimal outside help.

2. Being or relating to a process that is self-initiating or self-sustaining.

Idiom:

by (one's) (own) bootstraps

By one's own efforts.

bootstrap

(ˈbuːtˌstræp)

n

1. (Clothing & Fashion) a leather or fabric loop on the back or side of a boot for pulling it on

2. by one's bootstraps by one's own bootstraps by one's own efforts; unaided

3. (Atomic Physics) (modifier) self-acting or self-sufficient, as an electronic amplifier that uses its output voltage to bias its input

4. (Electronics) (modifier) self-acting or self-sufficient, as an electronic amplifier that uses its output voltage to bias its input

5. (Computer Science)

a. Also: boot a technique for loading the first few program instructions into a computer main store to enable the rest of the program to be introduced from an input device

b. (as modifier): a bootstrap loader.

6. (Commerce) commerce an offer to purchase a controlling interest in a company, esp with the intention of purchasing the remainder of the equity at a lower price

vb (tr) , -straps, -strappingor-strapped

7. to set up or achieve (something) using minimal resources

8. (foll by to) to attach (something) to a larger or more important thing

boot•strap

(ˈbutˌstræp)

n., adj., v. -strapped, -strap•ping.n.

1. a loop of leather or cloth sewn at the top rear, or sometimes on each side, of a boot to facilitate pulling it on.

That means traditional tricks like cross validation, boot strapping, hind- or back-casting and the like all 'cheat' and re-use what is already known as if it were unknown; they repackage the old as new.

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.